Another view: New tone welcomeon Social Security

Privatization talkis gone; focus is on useful adjustments

11:49 PM,
Dec. 27, 2013

Froma Harrop writes for the Providence, R.I., Journal.

Written by

Froma Harrop

Proposals to raise Social Security benefits are a refreshing antidote to portrayals of the program as a mere drain on the Treasury. Details of some such plans are troubling - for reasons I'll go into - but the change in tone is most welcome.

Democratic Sens. Tom Harkin of Iowa and Sherrod Brown of Ohio are leading a campaign to raise benefits by about $70 a month and alter the cost-of-living adjustments to beneficiaries' advantage. The higher payments would be covered by raising the income cap, which is now $113,700, on paying Social Security taxes.